A new report suggests an under-the-radar pass rusher could be on the Atlanta Falcons’ wish list before the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline.

While the Falcons have gotten off to a frustrating 2-4 start in 2026, unsurprisingly, the NFC South looks like it will again be wide-open, and a team with a record near .500 can win the division. However, Atlanta needs to start stacking up more wins and face a tough test this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers.

If they can stay within striking distance of the top spot in the NFC South before next month’s trade deadline, the Falcons will definitely consider adding impact talent so they can finally end their playoff drought and return to the postseason for the first time since 2017.

While they have seemingly gotten some stronger footing on offense with Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback and Bijan Robinson playing like a superstar, the Falcons defense has been mediocre and is bottom 10 in the NFL for points against (25.5). They could use help at different spots on D, but on Thursday, an NFL insider suggested a move to add an impact pass rusher.

In a new mailbag column, SNY’s Connor Hughes was asked about the possibility of the New York Jets undertaking a fire sale if their season continues to head in the wrong direction. The NFL insider believes that if the team were to fall to 2-7 before the deadline, “it makes sense to move on from players you don’t believe are part of your future.”

Could the Atlanta Falcons pursue a trade for Will McDonald?

Of the players he believes they will look to move, he suggested 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald would likely be shopped because “He’s not nearly as good of a fit in Aaron Glenn’s defense as he was in Robert Saleh’s wide-nine attacking front.”

Hughes then noted that the Falcons are “a spot to monitor” because “old friend Jeff Ulbrich is defensive coordinator.”

McDonald has shown Pro Bowl potential during his first four seasons in the league. After being a rotation player on the defensive line in his rookie season, in 2024 he started in 15 games and posted 10.5 sacks with 24 QB hits. In 14 starts last season, he had 8 sacks on 19 QB hits.

Since he has fallen out of favor with the current Jets head coach, McDonald has been forced back into a rotation role again and has just 2 sacks with 4 QB hits in 2026. McDonald is locked into one more season after the Jets picked up his $14.4 million fifth-year option this offseason.